Let's Talk About Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Stroke

Updated:Dec 9,2015

You can do plenty to make your heart and blood vessels healthy, even if you’ve had a stroke. A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in decreasing your risk for disability and death from stroke and heart attack.

How can I make my lifestyle healthier?Here are the steps to take to be healthier and reduce your risk of stroke:

If you have a chronic medical condition, check with your doctor before you start.

Start slowly and build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) a week. Or, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or a combination of the two, to improve overall cardiovascular health.

Look for even small chances to be more active. Take the stairs instead of an elevator and park farther from your destination.

How can I learn more?

Call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) to learn more about stroke or find local support groups, or visit StrokeAssociation.org.

Sign up to get Stroke Connection magazine, a free magazine for stroke survivors and caregivers at strokeconnection.org.